University offers classes on ways for Nevada farmers to extend growing season

Collaborative High Desert Farming Initiative offers class in Pahrump

With Nevada's climate, more farmers are looking for ways to extend the growing season. University of Nevada, Reno's High Desert Farming Initiative is offering a class for Nevada's agricultural producers, "The Business of Season Extension Farming," to provide information on field-tested methods for extending the growing season, as well information on reducing risk, low-cost marketing and financial planning. The course will be 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Sept. 12 at the Nye County Cooperative Extension office in Pahrump.

Season-extension farming, using hoop houses, row covers or other methods, has gained interest over the past few years as a way for Nevada farmers to provide customers with locally grown produce earlier and later, and to help farmers increase their incomes.

"This class aims to give agricultural producers the information they need if they are looking to add season-extending methods to their operations," said Jennifer Ott, project manager for the University's High Desert Farming Initiative.

The course will be taught by George Kleeb and Ben Tedore of the Nevada Small Business Development Center, part of the University's College of Business, and by Rick Lattin of Lattin Farms.

The High Desert Farming Initiative includes eight hoop houses, two greenhouses and a washing/storage facility. It is a collaboration among University of Nevada, Reno's College of Business; College of Agriculture, Biotechnology and Natural Resources; and Cooperative Extension; as well as community groups. It is located at the University's Valley Road Field Labs and Greenhouse Complex on the eastern side of campus.

The Initiative was made possible by the University's Nevada Small Business Development Center in collaboration with Sen. Harry Reid and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The department provided $500,000 to help fund the project.